H-1B Visas for Temporary Work in Altoona, PA
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in certain specialized careers to temporarily work in Altoona, PA and the rest of the United States. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialized professional field such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any professional field where employers can show it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended up to six years and potentially more if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (a U.S. green card) through sponsorship from their Altoona, PA employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Altoona, PA?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Altoona, PA). If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Altoona, PA are able to shift to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Altoona, PA?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. Altoona, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and successfully petition your visa.
H-1B Cap Issues - The main challenge Pennsylvania applicants must overcome is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported receiving 758,994 eligible registrations in 2023, and selected 188,400 to apply for just 65,000 available H-1B visas. Altoona, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. H-1B lawyers in Altoona, PA have expertise in this application process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly commonly look to Pennsylvania corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Accuracy and timeliness are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced Altoona, PA immigration lawyer can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out correctly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Altoona, PA Can Help
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced Altoona, PA TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Altoona, PA can help review your or your potential employee’s education and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Extension - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Altoona, PA TN visa lawyer can help you stay up to date with any policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Legal Compliance - The duty for Altoona, PA immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying current with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Your Altoona visa attorneys can coach the necessary staff to remain legally compliant during the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Altoona, PA
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Altoona, PA, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
Altoona, PA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines correlated with each. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Altoona, PA can assist with your unique situation, including bringing dependents or other immediate relatives with you to Pennsylvania.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Altoona, PA
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she moved to the United States and went through various immigration steps personally! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Altoona, Pennsylvania and beyond, with worldwide expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our forward-thinking attitude means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer hoping to hire global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Altoona, PA. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.